Discuss constitutional basis of planning in India.

The constitutional basis of planning in India is rooted in the Directive Principles of State Policy, which guide the government in formulating policies and laws to promote the welfare of the people. The planning process is enshrined in various constitutional provisions that emphasize the need for social and economic justice, equitable distribution of resources, and the elimination of poverty and inequality. The key constitutional provisions related to planning in India include:

1. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):

   • Articles 36 to 51 of the Indian Constitution contain the Directive Principles of State Policy. These principles are not justiciable but provide guidelines for the government to shape its policies. Several DPSPs are directly related to planning, emphasizing social and economic justice, reducing inequalities, and securing the well-being of the citizens.

2. Article 38 (Welfare of the People):

   • Article 38 directs the State to secure a social order for the promotion of the welfare of the people. It specifically mentions minimizing the inequalities in income, status, facilities, and opportunities among individuals and groups.

3. Article 39 (Certain Principles of Policy):

   • Article 39 outlines principles of policy for the State, including securing the right to an adequate means of livelihood for all citizens, equal pay for equal work, and ensuring that wealth and resources are not concentrated in a few hands.

4. Article 46 (Promotion of Educational and Economic Interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Weaker Sections):

   • Article 46 emphasizes the State's duty to promote the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections, with a focus on protecting them from social injustice and exploitation.

5. Article 47 (Duty of the State to Raise the Level of Nutrition and the Standard of Living and to Improve Public Health):

   • Article 47 directs the State to regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living and improvement of public health as among its primary duties. This implies a commitment to planning and policy implementation to address issues related to health and nutrition.

6. Article 48 (Organization of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry):

   • Article 48 directs the State to take steps for organizing agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines to ensure that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are distributed to subserve the common good.

7. Article 50 (Separation of Judiciary from the Executive):

   • While not directly related to planning, Article 50 underscores the importance of separating the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State. This separation is essential for ensuring a fair and just administration, which is integral to effective planning.

The constitutional basis provides a framework for the government to engage in systematic and planned efforts for the socio-economic development of the country. Over the years, the government has established various planning bodies and institutions to translate these constitutional directives into actionable policies and programs. The Five-Year Plans, initiated by the Planning Commission (and later NITI Aayog), have been instrumental in implementing these constitutional principles by formulating comprehensive strategies for economic development, poverty alleviation, and social justice. The constitutional provisions provide the moral and legal imperative for planning in India, emphasizing the commitment to building a just, equitable, and welfare-oriented society.